Grapefruit Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the grapefruit filling:

• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (preferably pink or ruby red)
• 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
• Optional: 1–2 drops red food coloring for a pink hue

For topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add flour and salt and mix until a soft dough forms.
   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the filling:
   • In another bowl, whisk together sugar and flour.
   • Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
   • Stir in grapefruit juice, zest, and food coloring if using.
   • Pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust.
4. Bake again:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
   • Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares or bars.

Chill before serving for best texture. These are like lemon bars with a refreshing twist!

Let me know if you’d like a vegan or gluten-free version!